Low Maintenance New Build Garden
Client Brief:
Designing and building a low maintenance new build garden. Our clients, a retired couple, recently moved into a new build home in East Sussex. While the house itself was perfect, the garden left much to be desired. Like many new build estates, the garden consisted of a small patch of lawn and a basic paved area right outside the house. The space felt plain, lacked privacy, and didn’t reflect the couple’s desire for a low-maintenance outdoor area where they could relax and enjoy their retirement.
With this in mind, they approached us to transform the garden into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space that would offer privacy and be easy to maintain. They wanted a design that could be enjoyed throughout the year, with features tailored to their needs and comfort. Here’s what we did to achieve this low maintenance new build garden:
Design and Planning A Low Maintenance New Build Garden:
Given the flat, level nature of the garden, we saw an opportunity to create a low-maintenance, easy-to-navigate space that would require minimal upkeep while still offering beauty and functionality. Our main objectives were:
Low Maintenance and Accessibility: As our clients were retired, we understood the importance of making the garden accessible without the need for frequent upkeep. This meant using durable, easy-to-care-for materials and incorporating features that reduced the need for bending or excessive physical effort.
Privacy and Seclusion: New build estates often suffer from a lack of privacy, with houses overlooking one another. To address this, we focused on introducing elements that would provide a sense of enclosure and shield the garden from the prying eyes of surrounding homes.
Garden Room: To enhance the use of the outdoor space and provide a comfortable place to enjoy the garden year-round, we designed and installed a garden room. This structure offered a sheltered retreat that allowed our clients to enjoy the garden, rain or shine, while also acting as a stylish focal point.
Functional Features: Our design included a raised pond and raised planters, enabling our clients to engage with the garden without the need for stooping or bending over. These features not only made gardening easier but also added visual interest and a sense of tranquility to the space.
The Build Process:
The construction of the garden took place over a period of several weeks, with careful attention to detail at every stage. We started by removing the existing lawn and paving, making way for a more dynamic layout.
Raised Pond: We installed a raised pond, positioned at an optimal height for easy viewing and minimal maintenance. The gentle sound of water flowing added a calming effect, while the elevated design made it easy for the clients to care for fish or plants without bending down.
Raised Planters: To further enhance accessibility, we built raised planters filled with carefully selected plants, including a variety of shrubs and perennials. This feature allowed for easy planting and maintenance, while also providing a space for colorful blooms and lush greenery.
Privacy Screening: We introduced strategic planting of evergreen shrubs and trees, along with fencing and trellises, to ensure privacy and seclusion from the surrounding properties. This not only enhanced the sense of security but also created a more intimate, peaceful atmosphere in the garden.
Garden Room: The installation of a stylish garden room created a perfect spot for relaxation, whether for reading a book, hosting family gatherings, or simply enjoying the surrounding beauty. The room was designed with large windows to offer panoramic views of the garden while providing shelter from the elements.
Paving and Pathways: We replaced the small paved area with larger, more stylish paving stones that complemented the overall design. These were carefully laid to create pathways that connected the garden room, pond, and raised planters, allowing for easy movement throughout the space.
Outcome:
The completed low maintenance new build garden now serves as a peaceful retreat for our clients. The raised pond and planters not only make it easy to maintain the garden but also enhance its aesthetic appeal. The garden room has become a favorite spot to relax and enjoy the view of the beautifully designed landscape.
The added privacy features have made the space feel more secluded, giving our clients a greater sense of security and intimacy. The low-maintenance design ensures that the garden remains a joy to enjoy without requiring excessive work, allowing the couple to focus on what matters most: relaxing and enjoying their outdoor space.
If you have a new build home and would like to bring your outside space to life, contact us.
